Instrument for handling dental clamps



' Dec. 19, 1922.

F. WIGGINSY.

INSTRUMENT FOR HANDLING DENTAL CLAMPS.

FILED APR. 6| 1922. I

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Application filed Alpril 6,

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that l, FRANK ll resume citizen of the United States, residing at Knoxville, in the county of Knox and State of Tennessee, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Instruments for Handling Dental Clamps, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to a dental instrument, and has particular reference to such an instrument designed specifically for use in connection withthe matrix and matrix holder, shown in United States Patent No. 1,378,748, issued to me under date of May 17, 1921.

The matrix band shown in my Patent No. 1,378,748, above referred to, is adapted to substantially completely surround the tooth,

such as a posterior tooth, and such band is provided with outwardly projecting extensions or prongs, which engage within notches formed in a matrix holder or clamp. This matrix holder or clamp is designed to be arranged wholly within the mouth, between the gum and the cheek, and assumes generally a vertical position. This leaves the top of the matrix band and of the filling entirely uncovered, in order that the corresponding tooth may be brought in proximity to a tooth being filled, and the proper impression made in the filling.

Prior to my inventionof thematri x and matrix holder, no device had been produced which would remain between the gum and band, and not interfere with the closing of the mouth. The holders in use prior to my patented matrix and matrix holder, extended over the tooth, and thus preventedthe closing of the mouth. y v

i In accordance with the present invention, 1 have provided an instrument for manipulating the matrix holder or clamp, shown in my Patent No. 1,878,748, in placing the holder upon the matrix hand, and removing the same therefrom.

As the matrix holder or clamp is arranged Wholly between the gum and cheek, and does not extend over the teeth the instrument must possess certain characteristics, not required in connection with instruments for manipulating the clamps of the prior art, excepting that of Patent No. 1,37 8,7 48. The instrument must be flat at its forward end so that it may pass between the un and cheek, and be adapted to engage and hold 1922. Serial il'o. 556,180.

the spaced arms of the matrix holder or clamp. The instrument must be reversible i'or use upon either side of the cheek, in connection with the upper. or lower teeth.

glen important object of the invention is to provide a device of the above mentioned eharacter, which is extremely simple in construction, strong and durable.

Uther objects and advantages oi the invention will be apparent during the course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same.

Fig. i is aside elevation of a dental instrument embodying my invention, showmhe in use, in connection with the matrix holder engaging the matrix hand upon the lower tooth.

.Fig. 53 is a similar view'with the matrix band and holder carried by the upper tooth, upon the same side of the face. 3 is a similar view, showingthe instrument inverted, and used inconnection with the matrix hand and holder carried by the lower tooth on the opposite side of the lace. i a

isa perspective view ofthe forward end ofthe instrument, and

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the matrix band.

lnthe drawings, wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown a preferred embodiment of my invention, thenumeral l0 desig- "nates a matrix band, preferably formed of a thin metal strip, sutficiently stiff for ordinarily retaining its shape, but sufiioiently flexible to permit of .the same .beingburnished downto closely contact with the wall of the tootln and conform to the curvature of the wall. The" matrix band is adapted to pass between two of the iiCljilCGill) teeth, with its. ends slightly overlapping, preferably upon the outside or bucal wall of thetooth.

.The matrix band is provided at points near and spaced from its ends with curved or crescent shapedopeningsll, stamped therein, forming outwardly bent attaching elements or teeth 12, preferably integral with the matrix hand. These attaching elements or teeth are arranged upon the outer side of the tooth.

The resilientm trix holder or clainp comprises a U-shaped body portion 13 including an intermediate yielding portion 14. The

copy of "extensions 20, disposed at right angle thereto.

arms of the U-shaped body portion have their upper portions twisted and are arranged in a plane at substantially a right an gle to the bodyportion 14-. ltis therefore ob;- vious that the arms do not yield locally, when spread, but performs the yielding function. The upper ends of the arms are bent transversely and inwardly into flat jaws 15, having rocesses or notches .16, for the reception of the elements or eeth 12. The U-shaped body portion is tensioncd to swing inwardly.

The foregoing'description is virtually a the description of the matrix band and holder, in Patent No. 1,378,748.

The instrument which I have designed tobe used specifically with the matrix holder, comprises a pair of oppositely'arranged handles 17, preferably longitudinally curved to fit in the hand. These handles are non-crossing, and are pivotally connected at 18. 'lhehandl'esl continue in advance of the pivot 18 in the form. of 1011- gitudinal extensions 19, having transverse substantially a Particular attention is called to the fact that the h'andles 17, extensions 19 and transverse extensi0ns20 are all arranged in the same plane, and that the structure is generally fiat. This is essential, as it permits of the instrument being inserted'in the mouth ,between the'gum and the cheek. As shown ioreclearly in Fig. 1, the transverse extenprojections 21 are inserted within andbetween the arms of the matrix holder '13, and contact therewith. "The matrix holder will now. remain upon the projections 21 and the forward end of the instrument, carrying the matrix holder, may be inserted within the mouth between the gum and cheek. When in the mouth, a slight pressure upon he handles 17 will further spread the transverse "extensions 20, so that the notches 16 may engage with the teeth 12. By moving the handles 17 outwardly slightly, the trans- :verse extensions 20 may be brought together,

and the matrix holder will remain locked to the matrix band. A similar operation is performed in removingthe matrix holder that the body portion 1%" sp aced.

from the matrix band. This instrument may be employed upon either side of the mouth, as it may he inverted, and in either inverted position, it may be employed to attach the matrix holder to the matrix band upon the upper or lower tooth.-

It is to be understood that the forms of my invention herewith shown and described are to be taken as preferred examples of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size, and arrangement of parts, may be nesorted to, without departing from the spi it of my invention or the scope of the Sill)- joined claims. I

llaving thus described my invention, 1 claim: Y y

1. The combination with a matrix hand provided near its ends and upon its outer side with extensions, ofa resilient holder embodying spaced arms, said arms having notches to interlock with. the extensions, and an instrument to expand the arms of the holder, said instrument comprising pivoted handles carrying forward longitudinal extensions having transverse extensions, the

longitudinal and transverse extensions being j in substantially the same plane, the transverse extensions being provided with lateral projections to engage within and be tween said spaced arms. 1 r I 1 2. An instrument to be inserted within the mouth between the gums and cheek for manipulating aclamp, said instrument comprising a pair of spaced pivoted handles provided with longitudinal extensions projecting beyond the pivot, said longitudinal extensions having transverse extensions, the longitudinal and transverse extensions being arranged in substantially the same plane and form a generally flat structure, and lateral projections carried by the transverse ex tensions to engage with the clamp. f

3. An instrument for insertion within the month between the gums and cheek, comprising a pair. of spaced pivoted handles having longitudinal extensions projecting forwardly beyond the pivot, said longitudinal extensions having transverse extensions, the forward portion of theh'andles, tudinal extensions, and thetransveis" xtensions being arranged in substantiplly the same plane for forming a genera ly fiat structure, said transverse extensions being normally spaced and provided at theirends with lateral projections, which engagewith the clamp, and a leaf spring arranged between said handles and tensioned to normally retain said handles in sucha position that the transverse extensions are retained In testimony whereof I afiix'my si nature. FRANK WIG INS. 

